How early is good for MICHIGAN

[Scorcher214]

I was just wondering what is the earliest that you go out for bass fishing? Do you guys sometimes go before the season starts? If so what do you guys use?

[MALTESE FALCON]

Where do you live in Macomb? I'm in Chesterfield.

When the ice is gone, I start in my canal. Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, shallow crankbaits, and soft swimbaits produce for me. I start using soft plastics after the snotgrass is gone.

Falcon

[Marty]

I don't know what Michigan's pre-season regulations are, but assuming it's legal to fish, and you really enjoy it, I'd get out as soon as there's open water. It's not a high percentage time, but as most of us have learned, you never know what might happen when you toss a lure into the water. I have the most confidence once the water hits the low to mid-50s.

[Sfritr]

As long as the boat floats and doesn't sit on top of the ice its time to go fishing in Michigan. 

I don't know about the rest of you but my itch needs to be scratched (figuratively speaking)

Already have a smallie trip planned for LSC in spring and counting down the days

[A-Jay]

As the weather warm (and that sure ain't today) I'll start making my daily rounds to check for access to the lakes and to see if there is sufficient open water to make a launch. I know that I'm not alone when I say - I've been know to carry a maul to assist with the launching evolution.

A-Jay

[mako]

April 24th, 2010 is when the Catch and Release season opens for bass.  Depends on the weather this spring how the action will be. I'll be jigging for some walleye until the bass season opens.  Man's gotta eat. 

[grimlin]

Do i go out before the season starts? Yup! I just don't target bass while I'm out though. White & Black crappies can be found as well as walleyes.

But those pesty Hungry bass will eat anything also.... : 

[five minute jimmy]

Just bought my first bass boat!!!  Be using it to catch walleye until season starts on April 25.

[A-Jay]

Headed out for my first recon mission today to determine lake access and percentage of open water - if any. I am very happy to report All access roads are clear and / or passable. However we still have 90% ice coverage on most waters. But with the forecast this coming week of days in the 50's and nights above freezing - it shouldn't be too much longer - right ?

And in the spirit of high hopes - we will not even mention anything about a possible future cold snap and more snow . . . . . . . .

A-Jay

[JacobK]

ice out! it's all softwater from here on out boys!

although the season hasn't started (not even C&R) i'll be testing my new equipment in a private lake. gotta shake off all this rust from teh winter hybernation.

[squid]

When to start bass fishing in Michigan......when DNR is not around...lol  If so you better be fishing for walleye or gill fish. 

Never use more than 1 hooked bait if before catch & release.  DNR will know your are targeting bass out of season.  Just use your head when on the water. 8-) :

[Triton Man]

Unless you are fishing the great lakes or lake st. clair, walleye fishing is closed also.  So you'd better not have anything big tied on or it will be pretty obvious to the DNR that you aren't panfishing.

[sethv]

Jerkbait and lippless crank bite is hard to beat during the pre-spawn.  Water between 42 and 56 degrees is a great time to find the fish really bunched up.  Keep moving until you catch one and then sit there and whack them!!